Cheesy Bacon Ranch Dip (Printable)

Creamy blend of bacon, cheddar, and ranch baked until golden and bubbly for easy entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - ½ cup sour cream

→ Meat

04 - 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Seasonings

05 - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
06 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

07 - 2 tbsp sliced green onions
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a small baking dish approximately 1 quart in capacity.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
03 - Fold shredded cheddar cheese, most of the crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping), and freshly ground black pepper into the mixture.
04 - Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
05 - Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon over the top of the mixture.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the dip is heated through, bubbly, and lightly golden on the edges.
07 - Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in thirty minutes, so you can pull it together even when guests are already on their way.
  • The combination of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar makes people keep coming back for just one more scoop.
  • It stays warm and creamy in the baking dish, meaning less fussing and more time with your friends.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the cream cheese—a cold block will leave you with grainy texture no matter how much you stir.
  • Resist the urge to bake it longer for a darker top; twenty minutes is the sweet spot where the edges are golden but the center stays creamy.
  • If you're making this ahead, assemble everything except skip the baking, cover it, and refrigerate—just add a few minutes to the baking time when you're ready to serve.
03 -
  • Buy your cheddar in a block and shred it yourself—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
  • Don't drain all the fat from your bacon; a little of that flavor mixed into the dip is what makes people's eyes light up when they taste it.
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